How to Handle Diabetes: Diabetic Awareness Month

The Role Diabetes Plays in Eye Health

Diabetes can have a larger effect on your eyes than you thought. It can lead to problems like diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Many people around the world have diabetes, and it doesn't just cause regular symptoms – it also messes with your eyes. Because of diabetes, the blood vessels in your eyes can get damaged due to high blood sugar. This can cause serious damage. If you don't take care of vision problems caused by diabetes, you might even go blind.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy develops as a result of weakened blood vessels in the retina, which begin to leak due to prolonged high levels of blood sugar. This condition plays a significant role in causing blindness among adults. Its progression occurs through multiple stages, each affecting vision in distinct ways. Detecting problems during the early stages is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

The first stage of diabetic retinopathy is known as Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR). During this phase, the blood vessels within the retina experience weakening, leading to the leakage of fluid or blood. This weakening can result in retinal swelling, causing vision to become distorted or blurred. Additionally, you may observe yellow deposits known as "exudates" on the retina. The severity of NPDR may escalate as the condition of the retinal blood vessels worsens.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

As diabetic retinopathy advances, the potential for significant damage to the blood vessels increases. This progression can trigger the development of new blood vessels on the retina's surface, and these vessels may extend into the vitreous gel of the eye. Due to their fragile nature, these newly formed vessels can rupture and enter the eye, leading to visual disruptions such as floaters and blurred vision. If not addressed, this condition can progress to the point where the retina detaches from the back of the eye, resulting in a loss of vision. The newly formed blood vessels can contribute to the formation of scar tissue.

Protect Your Eyes

There are many things you can do to keep your eyes healthy to prevent vision loss:

Regular Eye Exams

Make sure you schedule a comprehensive eye checkup with your eye doctor every year. The skilled professionals at The EyeDoctors Optometrists can detect eye problems linked to diabetes. These exams help us spot potential issues at their initial phases, which ultimately helps in protecting your vision from permanent loss.

Manage Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels heighten the risk of diabetic-related eye complications. It is important to diligently track and manage both your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You can accomplish this by incorporating regular physical exercise, adopting a balanced diet, and taking any prescribed medications. These proactive measures play a vital role in your eye health.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Your daily food choices and how often you get moving affect diabetes and also have a big impact on your eyes. It's really important to eat healthy and stay active to keep your eyes in good shape. Exercise is not only great for managing diabetes but also for making sure your eyes get proper blood flow, which they need to stay healthy. Remember, avoid smoking at all costs – it harms your overall health, including your eyes. You should also only enjoy consuming alcohol in moderation. Taking these steps can go a long way in keeping your eyes and your body feeling their best.

Control Blood Sugar

Keeping your blood sugar levels in check does more than just make you feel good – it also helps prevent eye problems linked to diabetes. Sticking to the blood sugar range advised by your healthcare provider can lower the chances of having eye issues because of diabetes. It's one of the most important things you can do to improve your eye health